Ethelene oxide,

is an important industrial chemical. Although most ethers are unreactive, ethylene oxide is quite reactive. It resembles C2H4 in its reactions in that many addition reactions occur across the C€”O bond.
a. Why is ethylene oxide so reactive?
b. Ethylene oxide undergoes addition polymerization, forming a polymer used in many applications requiring a non-ionic surfactant. Draw the structure of this polymer.

Transcribed Image Text:

CH2-CH2